Google Hangouts has been on the way out for quite a while now. In 2018, Google insisted that the communication tool would be disbanded in favor of Google Meet, the video conferencing tool, and a Google Chat, the messaging platform. However, whether it be the pandemic or the lack of a reasonable replacement, Hangouts has stuck around for nearly two years after its death sentence. Now, it seems Google is finally pulling the trigger, with plans to eventually scrap Hangouts in favor of Google Chat and Google Meet sometime next year. Previously, Google Chat was a paid messaging platform for Google Workplace (the rebranded name for G-Suite), which was not available to everyday users. However, this move will also see Chat becoming a free tool, available through Google Workplace, as well as Gmail and its own Chat mobile app. Google Chat will now offers features found in Hangouts, including “direct and group messaging, with helpful additions like send to inbox, faster search, emoji reactions, and suggested replies.” For video chat, Google Meet is a decidedly better option across the board than Hangouts. Its free plan allows for up to 100 participants for up to an hour, and offers a wide range of features, including adjustable screen layouts, meeting host controls, screen sharing, and most importantly, gallery view, all of which were not available with Google Hangouts. Hangouts users have been directed to use Google Meet for a while now, but this new change will make it mandatory next year, so you might as well get a jump on it now. Check out our Google Meet review for more information For voice, Google Voice has been waiting in the wings for its big moment, and it’s finally here. This service will allow for “easy switching between internet and carrier calls, enhanced internet calling reliability, and updated experiences on web and mobile platforms to help users manage everything from one place.” Hangouts users will be directed to use the Voice app soon, and by early next year, Voice support in Hangouts will be entirely removed. Take a look at some of the alternatives below if you’re interested in moving on from your Google dependance. Zoom admittedly experienced some security problems due to the influx of users, but it has since remedied them, so you won’t have to worry about your meetings being interrupted by unwanted guests or security breaches. In fact, we believe Zoom is one of the best web conferencing platforms available today, so it’s definitely worth a shot, particularly when it offers such a robust free plan.

Easy to useBroad functionalityFree version available

Poor audio qualityLots of features are only available at add-ons

Check out our GoToMeeting review for more information Unfortunately, GoToMeeting does not offer a free plan, so it’s definitely an option for companies in need of a meeting solution, rather than a casual user trying to organize a virtual social gathering. It does, however, offer a 14-day free trial, so you can get a feel for the software before you make a purchasing decision.

Try GoTo Meeting free for 14 days with a no-obligation trialHigh quality audio and videoVery reliable and secureLower cost than competitors

Weak free planRelies on a very strong internet connectionWebinar features requires GoToWebinar integration Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 83Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 99Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 62Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 22Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 67Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 24Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 31Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 3Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 56Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 35Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 20Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 53Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 36Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 58Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 1Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 17Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 64Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 72Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 47Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 49Google Hangouts Will Finally Be Replaced in 2021   Tech co - 32